Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/240

Rh it had happened, and what he had said, and the answer he had received. And then he added, "Wouldst thou that I swear to this?" "No," she answered. "In good truth my heart is tranquil, and rests upon thy word."

With regard to Khuzaimah, when day dawned he paid off his creditors and re-established good order in his affairs, after which he equipped himself for a journey, desiring to visit Sulaimân-ibn-ʾAbd-el-Málik, who at that time had gone down to Palestine. And when he reached Sulaimân's door, he demanded admittance, and the chamberlain went in and acquainted the Amîr of his arrival. And Sulaimân knew about him, for he was famous on account of his generosity and benevolence. So he was admitted, and when he entered he saluted the Amîr as Khalîfah. Then Sulaimân-ibn-ʾAbd-el-Málik asked him, "O Khuzaimah! what has kept thee so long away from us?" "My miserable condition," he replied. "But," continued Sulaimân, "what hindered thee from coming to us?" "My weakness, O Commander of the Faithful!" he answered. "Then how hast thou been enabled to come now?" asked Sulaimân. "O Commander of the Faithful!" he replied, "I know